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Launch of Solar Power Bus Stops

More than 40 bus stops in south London, including Sutton, have been adapted to run on solar power as part of a new trial launched by Transport for London (TfL).

The stops are being fitted with a specially designed canopy to gather power from the sun during the day which is then stored in batteries and released at night.

The energy from the solar power is used to light up the timetable so information is more legible when it is dark. It will also light up the bus stop sign so it can be more easily seen by passengers while providing a safer and more secure environment.

There are four stops in Sutton which will be using solar power two in Benhill Avenue, one at the junction of Nursery Road and Benhill Wood Road and another near the junction with Thicket Road.

There will be two other stops in Westmead Road near the junction of Benhill Road and Byron Avenue.

The trial follows moves by TfL to reduce the cost of mains connection in lighting bus shelters and to provide lighting in areas lacking electrical services.

Launching the scheme, London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "Using solar power is a simple environmentally-friendly solution to a frequent bus user complaint about the difficulty of reading timetables and feeling secure at night."

"This is proof that it is possible to improve travelling conditions for bus passengers in a simple and cost-effective manner."

London Buses' head of infrastructure Mike Weston said: "We hope solar power will provide the answer to improving conditions at bus stops and shelters in London by using renewable energy resources in the form of solar power, in support of the mayor's energy and public transport strategy."